Ten Righteous People

By Danny Rittman

The dark angel is disgusted with mankind: They have butchered each other. They have neglected and abused children and the elderly. They have murdered each other en masse. Theyve even created a system for the organized elimination of their own race. The dark angel believes its time for the world to be destroyed.

But the light angel disagrees. He believes there is still good in the world, and he resolves to find it. The light angel must locate ten righteous peoplethose who harbored purely evil souls, who conducted their lives committing heinous acts, but who have changed their ways of thinking, changed their morals, and changed their perspectivestheir hearts and souls transformed into good.

Ten Righteous People tells ten personal stories of good and evil. Among a drug cartel leader, a corrupt treasury accountant, mercenaries, and a Nazi soldier, there is a common battle. They must each confront the truth of their actions and make a critical, life-changing decision. The fate of the world depends on their repentance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Nov 29, 2012
• ISBN: 9781475963960

Danny Rittman

Danny Rittman is a chip designer with broad interests, especially those regarding spiritual matters. In his work he’s found extraordinary possibilities in numbers and science which inspired him to write this book.

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Copyright © 2012 by Danny Rittman.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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ISBN: 978-1-4759-6394-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-6395-3 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-6396-0 (ebk)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012922414

iUniverse rev. date: 11/27/2012

Contents

Chapter I

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV

Chapter V

Chapter VI

Chapter VII

Chapter VIII

Chapter IX

Chapter X

Light need not combat darkness in order to overpower it. Where light is, darkness is not. A thimbleful of light will therefore banish a roomful of darkness.

The Rebbe

Bible_Genesis.jpg

"And he said, ‘Oh let not the Lord be angry and I will speak just this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there?’

And He said, ‘I will not destroy it for ten’s sake.’"

(Genesis 18:32)

* * *

The world must be destroyed. said the dark angel. There is no doubt about it. The light angel was deep in thought. Both angels stood at the bottom of a large cathedral. It was huge and made of old brown wood. The top of the cathedral could not be seen as it rose above a cloud into the skies.

No, the light angel said eventually. We cannot destroy the world. There is good in it.

Oh, we cannot consider children, religious people and the elderly. The dark angel claimed with arrogance. We know that they are not capable of doing evil but the rest of the world has proven differently. He raised an eyebrow and directed a half smile at the light angel. The rest of the world is corrupt. The rest of the world has been performing acts of extreme evil. He paused to increase the impression of his words. And they have been doing so intentionally. The light angel remained silent. This gave the dark angel encouragement to continue. I do not need to tell you what they have been doing for the past few hundred years. They have butchered each other. They have neglected and abused children and elderly people. They have murdered each other en masse using a wide variety of methods. They even created a system for the organized elimination of their own race. He apparently enjoyed indicting humanity. It is revolting. he concluded in a whining tone. It has to be stopped. We cannot continue doing nothing about it.

We have to consider their acts of goodness as well. The light angel spoke in a steady tone. He did not seem to be impressed by the dark angel’s speech. How can we destroy the world if there are also good people in it? He raised his hand in a questioning gesture.

You are not the one to make this decision. the dark angel teased. His dark eyebrows were raised in amusement. He clearly enjoyed discussing matters of evil.

Both angels stood silently as a loud voice sounded. The course of action has yet to be determined. After a pause the voice continued from above, I do not intend to destroy an entire world without significant proof that it deserves such punishment. I would like to hear some ideas. There was silence for a short while.

I have one my Lord. said the light angel raising his hand. I have an excellent idea to prove that there is good in the human world… The dark angel looked at him with curiosity. He was sure that he had been winning this argument.

I will find ten righteous people in this world. These righteous people will be neither infants nor religious people. They will be people who had done evil but have changed for the good. These people have listened to the light inside themselves amid the darkness that completely surrounds them. He stopped for few seconds and then continued These people are righteous.

Ah, The dark angel protested. This will bring nothing. It will not prove anything. Anyone knows that in a world of few billion you’ll always find few who are exceptional. Then he remembered something and an evil smile spread on his face. Besides, this sounds familiar. He directed an evil look at the light angel. The light angel nodded silently. He knew what was coming. The dark angel reminded him of this occasionally. Didn’t I already win this? Many years ago… His evil laugh rumbled throughout the clouds. The same scenario occurred with those twin sin cities. What were their names? The light angel rolled his eyes. He knew that the dark angel well knew the names. He simply enjoyed bragging about his victory. Oh yes, Sodom and Gomorrah, were they? He straightened his look at the light angel. What happened then? Didn’t I prevail? Do you want to play the same game again?"

No. proclaimed the light angel with a smile I am talking about purely evil souls; humans who conducted their lives committing heinous acts, people who knew nothing other than evil. These people have to prove that they have changed their ways of thinking, changed their morals, and changed their perspectives. He rested for a while and then continued Their souls already belonged to the dark side with no expectation of changing yet they decided to crossover. They coherently made the quantum leap and turned toward the good. Their hearts and souls transformed into good. He breathed deeply. That is what I am talking about.

He then turned towards the dark angel with white flames sparkling in his eyes. I am talking about ten truly righteous people who have banished the darkness from within their souls. I am talking about change and atonement.

The dark angel did not smile anymore. His eyes lit in red flames It is never going to happen. Those who already belong to me will never crossover to your side. It is not possible.

There was a complete silence which stressed the intensity of the moment. Then a loud voice sounded.

So it will be written, so it will be done. Ten righteous people will be found. Otherwise the world will be destroyed.

The dark angel laughed. I am going to win again and your defeat will haunt you for thousands years.

The light angel smiled with light in his eyes.

Ten righteous people.

Chapter I

INNOCENCE

* * *

Dealing drugs is a tough business. said Boris Hess to his assistant Rudolph Morin who brought him the news. Then he poured himself a glass of whiskey and scratched his head. Rudolph had just told him that the village which was earning him a multi-million dollar annual income from the manufacture of cocaine was rebelling. The local people did not want to cooperate anymore. He had made lots of money from this village in Colombia and could not think about the possibility of giving it up. Trouble started few months ago when all of a sudden locals came up with the idea that they were being used as extremely cheap labor to manufacture drugs and did not want to cooperate anymore. The rumors passed through the village like wild fire in a dry field. At the beginning he simply gave the order to kill those few men who mentioned something about cheap labor and thought that the problem was solved. It happened, he thought at the time and figured it would be only one incident but it seemed to have escalated. The entire village; all the men, women and even the elderly refused to do any work for his people. This was such a shame. He was not too worried though. As a person who was always thinking ahead, he had seen this coming and for the past few months quietly worked to prepare another village to do the work. The other village was small and very poor which made it excellent for his purposes. His personnel had already closed all the technical details regarding redistribution of the land belonging to the rebellious village to the poorer one and they were very happy. In exchange, they would work for minimal salaries but would be owners of plentiful land. In addition, his people reported that the new village included many young, beautiful women. This by itself was a great incentive, thought Boris and worth the exchange. He could bring few women over to his mansion in Los Angeles. It could not hurt. Regarding the rebellious village, they were expendable. That was a sacrifice he was willing to make.

He looked at Rudolph who always stood erect like an army officer. It must have come from the fact that Rudolph was a true believer in Nazism, thought Boris to himself. Oh well, it was always a beneficial characteristic for a guy in his position. After all he was Boris’s best man. Boris had found him in the lowest bar in Los Angeles many years ago. At the time he was looking for a person to make him the ruler in his domain. He knew that only through real terror could he make his way in. When Boris came from Russia he was determined to be the leader in this industry, as he had been in Russia. He wanted to dominate drug dealing in America, starting in Los Angeles and eventually expanding to the entire continental USA. He had brought a few hundred thousand dollars from Russia and knew that he would have to use these funds wisely in order to establish his new kingdom. He had gotten some information about all kinds of characters who could be found at this bar so he went there late one night. The first person who attracted his attention was Rudolph. As he entered the bar he could tell that the majority of the people there were criminals of some sort. They were drug dealers, hit men and people who did not hesitate to commit crimes for the right price. Yet Rudolph was different. His large build, the way he handled himself and the expression on his face did not leave any room for mistake. He stood out. He had no fear of anything. He had no boundaries, not ethically, not morally and not of any other type. That was exactly what Boris was looking for. He remembered clearly how he had sat near him and approached him with a cigarette.

I need a reliable man to handle my business. He told him straight, lit his cigarette and blew the smoke in his face. Rudolph did not even blink. Nor did he utter a word. I recently arrived from Russia. he continued as he was blowing smoke circles into the air I want to establish my drug cartel here. I can guarantee you a salary of six figures within a few months. He then looked briefly at Rudolph. Would you like to join me? Rudolph still did not say a word but instead took a big sip from his huge glass of beer. Boris looked at Rudolph and felt that he was the right one. Something inside him told him that he was the right one. There was only one thing to do. One thing would finally determine if he had found a match for this job; a test. What can you show me? he asked Rudolph and looked straight into his eyes.

Rudolph did not answer. Instead he finished his beer in one gulp and banged the mug down on the bar with a loud noise without breaking the glass. Then he stepped off his seat and looked over the bar. He identified someone and walked over to him, whispered something in his ear and they both left for the bar’s restroom. That’s awkward, he thought then. He simply left with this man, just like that. Maybe I made a mistake after all. He wondered since he did not usually err regarding people’s character.

A few minutes later Rudolph returned and sat near him putting a plastic bag on the bar. Boris would never forget what happened next. What was it? What did he bring me? A bag? He got the urge to look inside the bag. He briefly looked at Rudolph who sat quietly near him. No expression was shown on his face. He ordered another huge mug of bear and started to sip it slowly. What’s in the bag? he asked him but got no answer. He took it as permission to look. Slowly he opened the bag and felt his blood freeze inside his veins. Inside there was the head of the guy Rudolph went to the restroom with. Blood dripped out of the head and slowly filled the bag inside. Quietly he closed the bag and inhaled a long drag of his cigarette.

Who was this man to you? he asked him without looking at his face.

Just a man in the bar. he first heard his voice, loud, deep and emotionless as Rudolph looked straight into his eyes without a blink. He then smiled. He was the right guy after all. He had picked the right man.

I am Boris. he said.

I am Rudolph and I believe in Hitler. Said Rudolph in a monotonic voice.

He laughed; He made a perfect choice. Good for you. That’s how he hired Rudolph. Since then they had been together.

Give the order to initiate the exchange plan. he told to Rudolph and yawned widely. It was early in the morning yet he poured himself another glass of whiskey. It is going to be a good morning he thought.

Sure, I’ll contact our man there. Should we do the full operation? he asked. Boris rolled the whiskey in his mouth for few seconds. Am I rushing here? he thought to himself. After all there are children in the village. There are elderly people. The full plan means killing them all. They had talked only about the extermination of men. Women, children and the elderly could still work. Most likely they would be so scared seeing all men massacred that they would continue working without any problems. But this morning he did not have any patience for thinking about the human factor. What the hell? he thought. We have the entire new village to replace them anyway.

Yes, you can exterminate them all. he instructed Rudolph and looked through the window. Rudolph stepped out without a word and Boris knew that the task would be done perfectly. That was Rudolph’s nature. That was why he had been working with him for the past ten years. In a short time the entire village would be killed and burned to the ground. Men, women, children and elderly people would be wiped out. A thought snuck into his mind. How can I do something like that? There are children in the village; innocent children who worked only for me for the past few years. Then he kicked the thought away. It was not his problem.

* * *

The small village was still sleeping when the artillery started to hit it. A few Hughes helicopters equipped with Vulcan 20mm cannons approached the village from the north and started launching Napalm bombs that created huge flames in the hey based village houses. Men, women and children who woke up to this horror ran outside screaming at the top of their lungs. They did not have too much time to scream. The helicopters that were capable of slow hovering motion smoothly and accurately opened fire from their Vulcan cannons and killed every living person who was out. The massive blizzard of bullets that the Vulcan cannons produced did not leave any chance for anyone. Within a few minutes the entire village was in flames and a few minutes later all the people were dead. The helicopters continued hovering above the village for about an hour more, searching for survivors who were hiding. After an hour a group of twenty people arrived via army trucks. They searched the village, killing those who were still alive including babies, children and elderly people. After a while all was quiet and only the crackling of flames was heard. The group of people left and so did the helicopters. The small village ceased to exist.

* * *

The exchange was successfully completed. reported Rudolph to Boris in the evening. Boris who was receiving a massage from two Russians brunets dressed in minimal clothing, raised his head. Good. he said and waived to one of the girls. She already knew what he wanted and went to bring him his drink.

So the other village went to full operation? he continued as he got his drink.

Completely. said Rudolph as he stood erect.

Could you stand at ease Rudolph? you are giving me the feeling that I am your Nazi commander or something. Boris mumbled as he turned his head to the side.

Sure boss. Rudolph smiled, he actually liked when Boris compared them to Nazis.

When I check my income from this village I want to see at least the same figures, otherwise I’ll become not nice. Boris continued.

Understood. Rudolph jumped like a soldier again.

Boris rolled his eyes. Go find something to do away from here. Go work at the yard or kill someone. Just get out of here. Rudolph jumped one more time, turned around and left the room marching like an S.S. soldier. He loved Boris. Boris waved to the body guard who stood in the corner of the room. Leave us alone. I need privacy. The man left without a word. Boris rolled on his back and removed his towel. Girls, do what you do best.

* * *

Ronny Zuko was only sixteen years old but he already knew everything about drugs. Well, how couldn’t he? For the past two years he had worked with a local dealer named John and learned about the procedures, methods and ways to deal with drugs. Drug dealing means lots of money, he had thought to himself when he reached the age of fifteen. Ronny grew up in a very poor family. His father was a fisherman since childhood and owned a small fishing boat and some nets. The big business had been taken over by the large fishing companies that owned and operated large fishing ships. From a young age Ronny watched how his father worked hard from early morning to late evening and eventually had to sell his fish to the large cartels which paid the minimum for his merchandise. One day, they’ll pay better son. his father always told him with a happy smile In the meantime; as long as we are healthy and can work we should be happy that we can put food on our table. These are tough times for fisherman now days. Then he patted his head and went out to sea for another fishing trip. He still remembered every time his father gave his mother money for groceries. His father always delayed things to provide for him and his brother. Buy books for the boys. his father used to say I can fix my teeth later.

But you suffer from tooth pain every night now. argued his mother You have to fix them. She would almost beg with tears in her eyes, You have to fix them otherwise something bad will happen to you.

Next month, I promise. his father would say with a gentle look in his eyes My teeth are already feeling better. I am sure the pain will go away eventually. he would say and smile at her. Then she would fall silent as tears fell on her cheeks. As a child he never forgot that. His mother was right. Many years of negligence caused a serious infection in his father’s gums and he needed a surgery. He died during the surgery due to complications and Ronny was devastated. Then he decided that he would not be like his father. He would not be poor but rich and it did not matter how. He’d find the way. His parents preached constantly that he should go to college but he wanted something faster. He did not want to wait years to start working. He wanted to be rich now. Besides, he read that college graduates do not make much money although they have the potential to make more money with experience. He did not want to wait for that. He wanted to get rich in a fast and easy way.

Then a friend introduced him to drug delivery. All you have to do, he said, is delivering these two small plastic bags to a certain location. You get a couple hundred dollars. He was fascinated by the idea.

This is nothing, he thought then. The idea of having as much money as two hundred dollars fascinated him and he decided to do it. The few hesitations that he had quickly faded away after his initial success. It was nothing. It was simple, risk free and easy. He got his first one thousand dollars in no time. He immediately went to his mother and gave her the money. At first she burst into tears.

Where did you get this money? If it is from crime of some sort, I do not want it. He promised her that it was not a crime and she happily took the money. Life got better but he desired more. Soon enough he connected with the local neighborhood dealer who offered him work as his assistant for five grand per month. He was in heaven for a while and then wanted more. He quietly watched how things were done and where his dealer was got his money. Slowly but surely he developed an ambition to become an independent dealer.

* * *

Boris was upset. He had to stop his foot massage session just to hear that there was a new drug dealer cutting serious chunks out of his income. Not only that, it seemed that this new dealer had been stealing his drugs for the past few months which meant that he had lost millions of dollars. I want to kill this guy. How come you couldn’t catch him? he was furious.

We’ve been trying to locate him but without success. Jose was very pale and tried to sound steady. He was very afraid of Boris’s anger. It looks like he knows where we are storing our drugs and the times of delivery within seconds. We tried to catch him for days and nights. He is like a ghost.

Boris’s face became red. I do not care if he is a ghost or a real person. Bring him to me within the next few days. Don’t eat, sleep or shit from now on until you catch the guy. You do not have a life until I have him here, alive. Am I clear? He looked into Jose’s eyes with a look that did not leave any room for mistakes. Otherwise you will die in a very creative way that only I will determine. The last sentence he said in a very low voice, almost whispering.

Jose that was already shaking mildly started to shake strongly. Yes Boris, I’ll live in our storage space until we catch him and then I’ll bring him to you.

Make no mistake Jose. Boris added with a quiet voice Any mistake will be your last one.

* * *

Ronny grinned to himself. He was doing well. For the past year he had traced his dealer’s activities and successfully duplicated them. Furthermore, since he knew the drugs’ storage location he took all of his drugs from there sold them and made complete net profit. Life was simply good, he thought while observing the restaurant. It was a warm Friday night and he had reserved a table in the nicest restaurant in downtown Los Angeles. The restaurant had opened last month and was considered one of the city’s most prestigious places. Mostly celebrities and rich business people dined there. I can afford this, he thought with joy and took a sip of his wine. He had met a beautiful girl in the grocery store a year ago and this was the anniversary of that day. He invited her to dine with him.

He would never forget the day he met Tina. It was a humid, sweaty night when he went to buy some groceries at the neighborhood Safeway supermarket. He had quickly grabbed a few items off the shelves and thrown them into a cart. As he approached the cashier his eyes transfixed on a girl who was helping the customer in front of him. She is absolutely gorgeous, he thought to himself as he could not move his eyes off her. She had a long, curly brown hair, deep brown eyes, a small, arrogant nose and beautiful, fully shaped red lips. She wore a simple T-shirt and jeans that stressed her sexy figure. What he liked the most was the sparkle in her eyes when she talked to the customers. Everyone seemed to like her immediately due to her pleasant personality. Her voice was deep and warm. He looked at her delicate hands as she was helping a customer who was an old man, probably in his late seventies. He noticed a small golden ring shaped like a delicate flower. It looked like a little girl’s ring but he found it beautiful. He was fascinated how quickly she passed the items in front of the scanner and did not notice that it was his turn.

How are you this evening? She smiled at him, exposing perfectly white teeth. He was in love. Her voice melted him and he wanted her.

Is everything O.K.? she asked him as he forgot to answer.

Oh, yes, I am sorry. he apologized when he noticed that he had not answered her. Ah, this is a great evening. His brain worked hard trying to find a way to start a conversation but he could not overcome his shyness. All of a sudden he could not talk. All of a sudden he blushed and stood there without knowing what to do. She saved him.

My name is Tina. She noticed his behavior and smiled at him.

I am Ronny. he said and since then they had been together every day. They had been dating for exactly one year since then and he had invited her for a fancy dinner.

Sir, your company is here. the tuxedoed waiter informed him. He